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N0KFQ > TODAY 05.07.13 17:37l 42 Lines 1656 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 1218_KB0WSA
Read: GUEST
Subj: Today in History - Jul 5
Path: IZ3LSV<F1OYP<VE2PKT<VK2DOT<N0KFQ<KB0WSA
Sent: 130705/1455Z 1218@KB0WSA.MO.USA.NA BPQK1.4.55
Jul 5, 1970:
Pilot error causes crash in Toronto
An Air Canada DC-8 crashes while landing in Toronto, killing 108
people on this day in 1970. The crash was caused by poor landing
procedures and inadvertent pilot error. The terrible accident
came less than two days after another jet crash had killed more
than 100 people in Spain.
The roots of this accident can be found in the working
relationship of pilot Peter Hamilton and his co-pilot Donald
Rowland. Though they were colleagues who often flew together,
they frequently disagreed over the procedure for deploying the
wing spoilers at landing. The spoilers are the parts of the wings
that assist in braking when they are put in the right position.
Hamilton preferred to "arm the spoilers" or get them ready for
deployment, early in the landing process, when the plane was
2,000 feet high, although this was against company policy.
Rowland eventually agreed to arm the spoilers before landing, but
only when the plane was just above the ground.
On this day, Rowland accidentally deployed the spoilers-rather
than merely arming them-as the plane was approaching Toronto's
airport. The premature deployment immediately caused the right
wing to plunge to the ground. One engine on the right side fell
off and the loss of weight sent the plane back into the air.
Hamilton tried to regain control and attempt another landing; as
he did, another engine, and then the whole right wing, detached
from the plane.
The DC-8 broke into pieces in mid-air near the airport. All 108
people onboard were killed.
73, K.O. n0kfq
N0KFQ @ KB0WSA.MO.USA.NA
E-mail: kohiggs@gmail.com
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